travel tumbler pack

17 Best Travel Coffee Mugs for Hot and Cold Drinks

Commute with your coffee under control.

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For many of us, coffee is a constant companion — and that means you'll want a trusty travel mug as you head out the door. Whether you prefer a piping hot cup from your drip coffee maker or single-serve coffeemaker , a refill at Starbucks or a dose of joe from your cold brew coffee maker , your travel coffee mug should handle it all without leaking. Fortunately, there's tons of options out there, including stainless steel coffee thermoses to keep your beverages cool and ones with straws for easy sipping.

Over the years, the pros in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab have tested 45 different travel mugs for hot and cold temperature retention, durability, resistance to leakage, ease of use and more. In our most recent tests, we called in samples of the latest travel mugs and used them both in the office and on our commutes to see how well they held up. We noted how they felt, how they traveled and, unavoidably, how they held up when dropped. Ahead, we rounded up the best travel coffee mugs based on picks that performed well during testing or come from brands that we trust.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Travel Coffee Mug

Zojirushi 16-ounce stainless steel mug.

Best Value Travel Coffee Mug

Juro stainless steel vacuum insulated tumbler.

Best No-Spill Travel Coffee Mug

Stanley classic trigger action travel mug.

Best Travel Coffee Mug for Espresso Drinks

Avana sedona stainless steel thermal tumbler.

Easiest to Clean Leak-Resistant Travel Coffee Mug

Oxo good grips 16-oz travel coffee mug with leakproof simplyclean lid.

Best Travel Coffee Mug with Carrying Strap

Hydro flask flex sip lid coffee flask.

Best Self-Heating Travel Coffee Mug

Smrtmugg heated coffee mug.

Best Wide-Mouthed Travel Coffee Mug

S'well stainless steel traveler.

Best Locking-Lid Travel Coffee Mug

Contigo luxe autoseal vacuum-insulated mug.

Best Travel Coffee Mug with Handle

Yeti rambler mug with lid.

Read on for more information on our testing process as well as for tips on what to look for when shopping for a travel coffee mug. For more ideas on what to fill your cup with, check out these coffee recipes to make at home .

Zojirushi's travel mug with a locking lid opens with the push of a button but won't leak or spill (even in a backpack). It will keep hot coffee hot — in fact, the brand is so confident that it offers a five-year warranty on heat retention. Iced coffee fans will appreciate that the mouth is large enough to handle big ice cubes for that extra chill.

Our tester noted that the vacuum-sealed lid keeps water cold all day: "I always grab it from my backpack and think, 'There's no way this could still possibly be cool anymore,' and I'm always pleasantly surprised." We also like the slim design, which is easy to grip and fits nicely into backpacks or totes. It comes in several colors and a 12-ounce version.

This stainless steel mug is a great affordable option, especially considering its large 20-ounce size. What's more, it claims to retain the temperature of your coffee for up to six hours. Online reviewers like that it fits easily into car holders and won't sweat when filled with ice. The tumbler includes two lids: The featured slider lid as well as a flip-style lid , so you can choose which you prefer for the beverage you're drinking. It also comes with a reusable straw and a straw cleaner, though we found the straw was short and inconvenient to use.

Stanley has been in the thermal carafe game since 1913. This travel coffee mug delivers the company's insulated design and also includes a push-button "trigger action" lid that keeps the mug sealed unless pushed. We liked that it means the spout stays closed when you're not hands-on . Our pros did note that it requires some level of strength and dexterity to hold the button while sipping. This mug is available in several colors (even camo!) and in a 20-ounce size.

This 10-ounce travel mug from Avana is perfectly sized for espresso-based drinks, but it's also available in 20-ounce and 30-ounce versions. Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou likes that the simple two-piece design is easy to clean because the lid is just one solid piece, unlike many other lids. This is particularly helpful if you like coffee drinks with foam, like latte beverages , that can gunk up lids over time. The contoured mouthpiece makes sipping easy, but it doesn't seal closed, so watch out for leaks. The double-walled insulated construction keeps drinks hot or cold and helps prevent condensation from collecting on the outside.

We love when kitchen gear comes apart for a thorough cleaning, but would rather skip the guesswork that can follow when it's time to reassemble. The OXO travel coffee mug with SimplyClean lid solves this pain point: The four-piece lid is color-coded, numbered and etched with assembly instructions . It's easy to take apart and clean by hand (or in the dishwasher), and simple to put back together for your next cup. Never mind, it's also comfortable to hold. The mug comes in four other colors as well as a 20-ounce size.

Hydro Flask has a huge following when it comes to water bottles — in fact, we named the brand our best stainless steel water bottle — and we're fans of its coffee mugs (called coffee flasks), too . GH Lab tests found that its stainless steel, vacuum-insulated body kept drinks hot and cold for hours, and it was quite leakproof. Hydro Flask also offers a separate wide-mouth lid , which can be handy for cold beverages. (The included lid twists to open and close.) But, be careful drinking hot beverages with a wide mouth as it can spill easily. It's available in a range of colors as well as 16- and 20-ounce sizes , and the little handle helps make it easier to transport.

This SmrtMugg travel mug — rated our best self-heating travel mug — has built-in heat technology to keep coffee hot. Its large battery on the bottom — the manufacturer claims a 10-hour battery life — kept coffee hot (above the target temp of 135˚F) for the full four hours of our Lab tests . Once you get the hang of the controls at the bottom of the mug, the clear digital readout is helpful in setting the temperature and turning off the mug. This travel mug also aced our leak tests. Our tester noted that while the push-button lid is easy to use, the edge of the button can bump your lip while drinking.

This sleek 16-ounce bottle has been redesigned to fit more comfortably in your hand. Though we have not tested this model in the Lab, our pros appreciate that i ts large size and wide mouth can easily fit ice cubes , which makes it a great choice for frequent iced coffee drinkers. We have also found other S'well products to be good at maintaining temperatures. It seals shut and is leakproof; plus, it will keep your drinks cold (or hot!) all day. The S'well comes in a ton of color options as well as 12-ounce and 20-ounce sizes.

This coffee mug from Contigo is super comfortable in your hands, and it has a unique locking feature that makes it leak- and spill-proof. When you want to sip (or chug) your coffee, just press the button to release the seal. During your commute, you can lock the button so you don't accidentally press it while on the go . It's also completely dishwasher-safe, even the lid. One tester did note that with hot beverages, the lid can feel too hot to handle.

This popular Yeti mug looks just like a traditional coffee mug, but it's designed to keep your drinks hot or cold and comes with a lid to prevent unnecessary spills. The sturdy and comfortable handle is large enough for even wide hands. It's available in a dozen different colors as well as sizes from 10- to 30 ounces. Another bonus is that when you buy from the Yeti site, you can customize your product with a short text, a monogram or a logo. Our tester found that the lid slides open easily but noted that it's not leakproof. The brand has also introduced the Rambler Stronghold lid , which screws on (rather than presses in), which we're actively testing in the Lab.

Fellow Carter Everywhere Travel Mug

This little cylinder makes a statement, with testers loving how compact it was. The sleek stainless steel shell contains a ceramic liner intended to keep your coffee free of metallic flavors. The screw top reveals a wide mouth that you can sip from any angle and is large enough for adding ice . It comes in seven additional colors as well as a smaller, 12-ounce size.

W&P Porter Ceramic Mug with Protective Silicone Sleeve

Papantoniou likes that the inside of this travel mug is easy-to-clean porcelain, which generally helps to prevent buildup over time that can negatively impart flavors . She also noted that it keeps coffee "nice and hot right off the bat." It includes a simple shape and a silicone sleeve for a comfortable non-slip grip. It comes in several colors and a couple of terrazzo prints . It's also available in a 16-ounce size.

Starbucks Classic Green & White Traveler Tumbler Coffee Mug

Starbucks fans will appreciate that they can purchase this mug online rather than solely in the stores. The ceramic mug is easy to use — the lid just pops into place and is surrounded by a rubber seal to help keep it (and the coffee) in place — and easy to clean . "It keeps coffee warm like a standard ceramic mug would, and the lid helps to keep things a little warmer for longer," our tester says. "I like that it's not scalding hot like in a metal mug, so I can enjoy my coffee without burning my mouth." The 12-oz size is perfect for refills of Starbucks tall drinks.

STOJO Collapsible Travel Cup with Straw

Stojo's collapsible coffee cup makes it possible to travel light while avoiding single-use plastics. The brand impressed our pros with its other collapsible offerings — the Collapsible Bowl won a 2021 Kitchen Gear Award . Similarly, this travel cup is well designed: The cup includes a heat sleeve that provides a structured grip for the squishy silicone cup, and the 16-ounce size includes a straw (which is great for iced coffee or if you prefer to bring your own cup to fountain machines). The collapsed cup is just two inches in size. It's both microwave and dishwasher safe, with 8-ounce , 12-ounce and 24-ounce sizes.

MiiR Flip Traveler

With a 4.8-rating on Amazon, this stainless steel thermos comes in a slim design and an easy-to-open lid. Though we have not tested this pick in the Lab, we like its focus on giving back: T he bottom of each travel mug is printed with a "Give Code" that you can enter at Mirr's website for details on the brand's corporate giving , which is funded through every purchase. The Flip Traveler is available in several colors and 12-ounce and 16-ounce sizes .

JOCO Glass Reusable Coffee Cup

This glass bodied Joco mug has a colorful silicone lid and a matching thermal sleeve. It's microwave (and dishwasher!) safe, which makes it a great option if you like to reheat your coffee throughout the day. Since the glass is clear, it's easy to see how much coffee you have left — and hit your preferred shade when you add your creamer. Take note that the lid does not seal shut, so while it might be handy for car commuting, this isn't one that's great for tossing in your bag.

Zoku Instant Iced Coffee Maker

For iced coffee fiends, this mug is for you. Get your cuppa in flash: Simply store the inner core of the mug in the freezer, then slip the frozen cup into the protective plastic sleeve and pour in hot coffee. Our tester found that the travel mug will chill your coffee rapidly without watering it down with ice cubes. (The brand actually uses the same concept for its ice cream maker .) Slide in the lid with the provided straw, and you're ready for undiluted iced coffee — though you can add ice if you prefer. One caveat is that the freezable core holds only 11 ounces, which some might find too small.

How we test travel coffee mugs

When the experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab test travel coffee mugs, they use thermocouples to track the temperature of the liquid inside the mug over time. Many of the mugs on this list were tested at home over months (even over commutes) to assess their durability, ease of use and temperature retention.

Our pros also evaluate the mugs for stability, cleanability and comfort of both holding and drinking. They test whether the mug is easy to open and close, and they drop each mug to assess its durability. To test for leaking, our pros roll the mug around on its side as well as turn it upside down and shake it vigorously.

How to find the best travel coffee mug for you

✔️ Material : Many travel coffee mugs are stainless steel, though our list also includes porcelain, glass and silicone options. Double-walled construction is common with stainless steel mugs, and that can help keep your beverage hot or cold longer. Other materials may not be insulated. If you opt for a glass mug, consider borosilicate glass, which is tempered to prevent shattering with hot liquids and can be more durable if dropped. Porcelain mugs are generally easy to clean, and because the material is nonporous, the mug is unlikely to develop odd flavors. Silicone is a great lightweight option, but it can get warm if it does not have a heat sleeve.

✔️ Lid : Some lids are more spill-proof than others. Our Lab experts particularly love the locking feature on the Contigo Luxe Autoseal Vacuum-Insulated Travel Coffee Mug , which adds a level of safety if you plan to toss your mug in your bag. Lids that screw on are also often leak-resistant. Those who prefer a more traditional-style mug with a handle may find that slider lids are common; evaluate those for leaking, as some are prone to dribbles (or worse). Note that spill-proof lids often require more care to clean.

✔️ Washability : Check to see if the mug is dishwasher-safe. If it needs to be washed by hand, make sure you can thoroughly clean it with a sponge or bottle brush .

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Sarah Wharton is the Senior Editor and Analyst for the Good Housekeeping Institute. She tested several of the newest additions to this list as well as led the recent test of heated mugs. She's written about all kinds of kitchen gear as well as coffee advice like how to make a cappuccino and how to make an iced latte .

Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou oversees all testing of kitchen gear, including products like coffee grinders , coffee makers , espresso machines and Nespresso machines . She has tested almost all of these travel mugs and is constantly rotating through an assortment in her daily travel mug use. She is also the lead judge in the Good Housekeeping Institute's forthcoming Coffee Awards .

Sarah (she/her) is a deputy editor in the Good Housekeeping Institute , where she tests products and covers the best picks across kitchen, tech, health and food. She has been cooking professionally since 2017 and has tested kitchen appliances and gear for Family Circle as well as developed recipes and food content for Simply Recipes, Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Oxo and Food52. She holds a certificate in professional culinary arts from the International Culinary Center (now the Institute of Culinary Education).

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11 Travel Mugs to Take on The Road | Best Travel Mug

Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or need it to function in the morning, we’ve found your next favorite travel mug.

Regardless of where you wake up, coffee or tea are great ways to ensure you’re ready to take on the day. Sometimes, jetlag gets to you, or you spend too much time on the town the night before; regardless, you don’t want to waste your time traveling.

To drink a warm beverage, you need something to put it in. This list will cover every kind of travel mug imaginable, from models you can take to the backcountry to those that will warm your hands while exploring a new city on mid-winter break. If neither of those is your style, we’ve planned multiple stops in between! Hopefully, at the end of the journey, you’ll be ready to purchase the best travel mug for you.

We’ve teamed up with REI since it’s a great place to start searching for gear, whether it’s clothing, a new bag, or other travel essentials. You can get even more from the store with an REI Co-op Membership , including an average of 10% back annually on eligible purchases, free shipping, and a generous return policy. Members also get access to the Re/Supply store, where you can choose from returned gear that’s been thoroughly inspected. Or, trade in your used items for other members to enjoy!

• Hydro Flask 12 oz Coffee with Flex Sip Lid
• REI Co-op Graphic Camp Mug
• YETI Rambler 12 oz Bottle with HotShot Cap
• Purist Collective Maker 10 oz Mug
• Sea to Summit Delta Light Insulated Mug
• GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug
• Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug 12 oz
• Zojirushi Stainless Mug (SM-KHE48)
• Lykka Kvarting Insulated Coffee Mug
• Chilly's Series 2 Coffee Cup
• Snow Peak Kanpai Bottle 350ml

Best for: Relaxed Travelers

Why We Like It: The handle makes it easy to take just about anywhere

What You Should Know: The lid doesn’t vent very well

If you are looking for a travel mug that can do it all and then some, look no further than the 12 oz Coffee Mug from Hydro Flask with the Flex Sip Lid. The insulation is stellar, so your drink will stay hot (or cold) all day long. Due to the size of the mug, it isn’t heavy either, so it won’t weigh you down. Plus, the Flex Sip Lid creates a complete seal, so you don’t have to worry about it leaking if your journey takes a walk down the wild side.

We dig the handle on this thing—you can carry the mug with it, attach it to a carabiner, or stow it on a hook in a public bathroom, so you don’t have to set it on the grimy floor.

If you like a giant coffee in the morning, the downfall of this model is that it only holds 12 ounces of liquid. However, if you’re a one-cup kind of person, this might be the best travel

Best for: Sustainable Travelers

Why We Like It: Lots of fun colorways to choose from

What You Should Know: The handle stops it from fitting in some cupholders

Let’s be honest; who doesn’t love a fun graphic? REI has a load of mugs with unique artist prints on them, and we dig the colorful models we’ve got on hand. Whether camping with the family or loading up for a road trip, you’ll get a kick every time you take a sip from this mug.

Once you’ve found a print that works for the vibes you’re trying to project, pour your hot drink of choice and start your day. Depending on the cupholders in your car, the handle might get in the way or take up two instead of one. The top isn’t as rugged as others on this list, but look at how cute it is!

If you aren’t going offroading and want a taste of home, this travel mug is for you.

Why We Like It: Keeps your drink hot or cold all day long

What You Should Know: Not enough capacity to hold a day’s worth of drink

When it comes to drinking coffee, we’re all different. Some folks like to guzzle a cup down as soon as they wake up and are set; however, some enjoy sipping all morning long. If you fall into the latter, the YETI Rambler Vacuum Bottle might be your best travel mug.

As far as perks go, the YETI will keep your drink hot or cold all day long, no matter where the road takes you. In addition to stellar temperature control, this mug is durable and looks sleek on the trail or in the office.

When you return from your trip, toss it in the dishwasher and use it again the next day!

Best for: Professional Travelers

Why We Like It: Is lined with glass on the interior to ensure no metallic taste

What You Should Know: At just 10 ounces, it’s smaller than a reguar cup of coffee

If you want your travel mug to look as fancy as the espresso you drink every morning, the Purist Maker Mug might be just what you’re looking for. The exterior is sleek, fits into the palm of your hand, and won’t call extra attention to your caffeine addiction.

However, the most unique design choice is on the interior. This travel mug is crafted from stainless steel, but there’s a thin layer of glass on the interior to ensure the metal doesn’t taint the taste. After all, your coffee should taste just as you want, whether commuting to work or exploring an early morning meat market.

The Scope Top makes sipping easy—unscrew it slightly, take a drink, and tighten it up again. It’s just 10 ounces, which might not work for heavy coffee drinkers.

Best for: Frugal Travelers

Why We Like It: Extraordinarily lightweight

What You Should Know: Has an outdoorsy or backpacking look

If saving weight is at the top of your to-do list, look no further than the Sea to Summit DeltaLight Insulated Mug! This thing is incredibly light, coming in at just 2.8 ounces, and can be used for a handful of things other than coffee.

The lid is crafted from silicone to save weight and be more flexible—and there’s a small slip hole so you can drink on the go. The insulation sleeve is removable, so you can pack it inside the mug when you aren’t using it. The mug can double as a food container if you need a place to stow a non-liquid snack. If you need to measure something, there are volumetric markings on the interior to help ensure you’ve measured the right metric or imperial amount of water for your coffee. Once you’ve finished, it’s small enough to fit in a large sling or rain jacket pocket.

Put plain and simple, the Sea to Summit DeltaLight Insulated Mug is the best travel mug for those looking for an option that can do many unique things. However, some might not dig that it looks outdoorsy.

Why We Like It: Has an easy to use handle that folds away when not in use

What You Should Know: Not the sleekest design we’ve seen

If you enjoy a rugged adventure now and then, the GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug will get your coffee where you need it to go. It comes in at 3.5 ounces and has a spill-resistant topper with a sealable spout.

There’s a cloth insulation sleeve that looks and feels a bit like a drink koozie with an added handle that makes holding onto the mug easy. Or, while in the car, fold the handle down, so it fits into your cupholder. Once you finish your drink, leave the spout open and attach the mug to the exterior of your travel backpack or daypack with a carabiner to dry.

The GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug isn’t the most stylish model we’ve come across; however, its ruggedness and modularity give it a leg up in the race for the best travel mug for outdoor adventurers.

Why We Like It: The trigger is easy to manipulate, even with one hand

What You Should Know: The cap can be difficult to clean

Stanley is an industry standard in the United States regarding rugged travel mugs. First crafted by William Stanley Jr. in the 1910s, the company made its name manufacturing bottles for the U.S. Army during World War II. You can’t get much more rugged than that!

Drinking coffee on the way to work or while camping requires less durability, but the Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug treats all trips the same. The Trigger-Action top is easy to open, even with just one hand, so that you can sip your coffee with a briefcase or a fishing pole in the other arm.

We’ve found the cap challenging to clean, especially without a proper brush, so do a thorough job before you leave for your trip. You can get by with quick cleans until you return!

If you’re looking for a standard 12-ounce offering that can hold up to anything you throw at it, look no further than the Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug.

Best for: Full-time Travelers

Why We Like It: Slim profile works for those with smaller hands

What You Should Know: Not dishwasher safe

Many popular mugs are hard to hold if you have smaller hands—especially once you reach the 16-ounce threshold. Folks with small manus might have to choose between the best travel mug and one that fits in their hand, which is a bummer.

Enter the Zojirushi Stainless Mug. This offering is taller than you might expect a 16-ounce mug to be, but it’s thinner around the base, so those with small hands can grab it quickly. That isn’t the only reason we like it, however.

The Zojirushi looks sleek and has a locking lid and gasket to prevent leaks. A plastic mouthpiece helps with pouring, too, although it does tend to dribble a little.

Whether you’re looking for something that fits in your hand or a travel mug with a locking lid, the Zojirushi is an excellent shout.

Why We Like It: Heat exchange technology keeps your hands warm or cold depending what you have stowed inside

What You Should Know: Can leak heat, cooling or warming your drink prematurely

Are your hands constantly cold in the winter and warm in the summer? Besides eating more leafy greens to promote blood flow, the Lykka Kvarting Insulated Coffee Mug is here to help.

This travel mug utilizes heat exchange technology to transfer the temperature of the inside of the mug to the outside, so your hot coffee will warm up your hands in the winter, and your iced latte will keep your hands or cheek cold in the summer. However, there are a few caveats.

The heat exchange technology requires a chemical reaction to work correctly, so you need to shake the mug to activate, and it only works for a few seconds. If the contents are extraordinarily cold or hot, it can be shocking for your hands, so be careful where you put the mug!

If you want to ensure your hands stay comfortable, the Lykka Kvarting Insulated Coffee Mug might be your best travel mug!

Why We Like It: An extraordinarily leak and odor proof design

For those who want to take the taste of their favorite coffee with them everywhere—but not the smell or leaks—the Chilly's Series 2 Coffee Cup is a worthy option. It keeps both at bay with a unique locking design.

While ordering, you can pay a little extra to have something engraved into the bottle, so you know which travel mug belongs to you or to give it as a gift to a friend or family member. Or, show off your personality with one of the infinite color or design combinations.

The mug isn’t dishwasher safe, so you must hand wash it. It’s a small price to pay for a travel mug as unique as this one; odds are, your hotel in Paris won’t have a dishwasher anyway!

Why We Like It: Comes with three caps for different use cases

What You Should Know: The insulation works so well it can keep your coffee at a dangerous temperature for a long time

If you like to drink different things in different ways from your travel mug, the Snow Peak Kanpai Bottle is the right option for you. There are three lids, so you can choose the one that best matches the drink you’re sipping or meets the vibe of the day you’re having.

Plus, this bottle utilizes double-wall technology to keep your drink hot or cold and isn’t heavy to weigh you down. The three lids can be a lot to keep track of, and the insulation works so well that your coffee might be hotter than expected. However, when used properly, those aren’t necessarily cons.

Whether you’re crossing the city of the globe, the Snow Peak Kanpai Bottle is an excellent shout for the best travel mug out there.

So whether you want something rugged for the trail or a mug to traverse the concrete jungle with, we think you’ll find the best travel mug for you somewhere on this list. No matter what’s on your itinerary, check out REI before packing. Members get great perks like free shipping and great deals on gear! Happy travels!

March 14, 2023

Author: Eric Hergenreder

Eric has been across the globe, but his favorite place to explore is his home state of Michigan. His love for photography has taken him all around the Great Lake State, often writing about his travels so that others can enjoy them, too. Eric loves messing around with analog photography, watching soccer, and searching for the world’s best burger in his spare time.

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I Make Coffee To-Go Every Day, and This Is the Coffee Gear I Never Travel Without

Never trust the coffee setup at the hotel.

Food and Wine / Fellow

A fun part of my job as a commerce editor is testing kitchen products. One of my favorite parts about that part of my job is testing the best coffee gear. I make coffee every morning either to sip at my desk or to-go while I’m walking my dog, and I’ve gone through dozens of coffee makers , grinders , espresso machines , and milk frothers . I love coffee so much that I like to make it even when I travel, especially after being stuck at an Airbnb without a proper coffee setup one too many times. And don’t even get me started on the horrors of the broken hotel room Keurig.

So, no matter where I go, I bring a few simple coffee tools that are durable enough to get banged around in the back of the car but lightweight enough to pack without adding too much bulk. If I’m headed upstate to go camping or hitting the beach for a long weekend, these are the three travel-ready coffee tools I always take with me.

The 3 Travel Coffee Tools I Always Pack 

• Fellow Carter Move Travel Mug , $30
• Barista Warrior French Press , $35
• MiiR Airtight Coffee Canister , $35

Fellow Carter Move Travel Mug

I don’t travel without my Fellow Carter Move Mug , whether I make a quick trip into the office or hit the road for a weekend getaway. Unlike many other coffee thermoses, it fits perfectly in a cup holder. It also feels nice in my hands; the twist-off lid makes a satisfying tactile clank. Its stainless steel construction makes it durable enough to toss in my bag for a hike or a subway commute, and the vacuum seal means it won’t spill my precious coffee everywhere. It’s also designed with a removable splash guard that has proven to be especially useful when I’m in a hurry.

It’s my favorite travel coffee mug thanks to its durability, practical design, and temperature control, and it’s also versatile for iced and hot coffee (or a to-go spring cocktail in the park). Also unlike other coffee thermoses, the Fellow Carter Move Mug has a ceramic interior that doesn’t impart any chemical aftertaste, so when I’m blissfully sipping my coffee in the woods, I’m not distracted by any metallic taste.

Barista Warrior Stainless Steel French Press

A French press is my go-to small coffee maker . I like the flavor, strength customization, and control I get with a manual press. I’ve tested dozens of French presses and broken at least two glass Chambord models, but the Barista Warrior Stainless Steel French Press has gone with me on multiple camping trips and Airbnb stays for over three years. It’s a great portable coffee maker for travel since it only requires beans and hot water from an electric kettle (or even better: from a pot over a crackling fire).

Unlike glass models, this double-wall insulated stainless steel press doesn’t get hot to the touch but keeps my coffee piping hot. It has a handy built-in thermometer that makes it easy to brew coffee at the correct temperature too. This is hands-down the most durable French press I’ve ever used (as I said, I’ve broken several), but it’s lightweight enough to pack. 

MiiR Airtight Coffee Canister

I buy my coffee beans whole and grind them to a medium coarseness to use in my French press. If I’m headed out of town for a long weekend, I’ll grind my beans beforehand and pack enough grounds for a few days in an airtight coffee canister to throw in my bag. This MiiR Canister is designed with double-wall vacuum insulation to protect contents and maintain freshness, and it works exceptionally well for transporting coffee beans.

I use this coffee canister for other snacks while I’m hiking. I’ve also used it to store my dog’s kibble or treats on our hikes, too. I’ve tried other fancier vacuum-sealed canisters that have been tricky to seal and release, but I recommend this simple lever-style model with a twist top for transporting smaller amounts of coffee beans, trail mix, or snacks.

Shop More Editor-Favorite Travel Coffee Gear

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18 smart travel essentials flight attendants always pack, from a hotel door lock for safety to a portable oven

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To find the best carry-on bag essentials, who better to turn to than flight attendants? After all, they've made a career out of being frequent flyers. We spoke with four flight attendants from Delta, Jet Blue, Etihad, and United about their favorite travel products, as well as the tips and tricks they use to travel as efficiently as possible. 

Their top travel products include everything from a portable humidifier and a mini oven to a hotel door lock and a foldable mug . Whether you're planning on flying, taking the train, or going on a road trip, these 18 products will help you stay organized and energized throughout your trip. And, if you're looking for something to pack it all in, be sure to check out our guide to the best luggage .

Here are the top travel essentials, according to flight attendants

Briana taylor, jet blue airlines.

Follow JetBlue flight attendant Briana Taylor's lead and save money by skipping overpriced airport and hotel food. Instead, pack a portable oven. She also makes sure she's always safe by bringing a hotel lock. 

Briana's travel essentials:

A lot of flight attendants pack their own lunches to save money instead of buying hotel or airport food all of the time. The Hot Logic is very convenient to use on planes that have outlets. It’s also good for traveling as some hotels don’t have microwaves inside of their rooms.

Our planes are now stocked with disinfecting wipes, but before that, I bought my own Lysol wipes to wipe down everything. Other attendants use the spray, which can be easier than having to wipe everything down.

There’s a lot of scary stories out there about women traveling alone, especially among flight attendants. When traveling alone or staying in a hotel alone, having a portable lock just for extra security makes you feel more at peace.

I use a lot of small makeup bags. I usually end up using them for small things like travel-sized perfumes, hand sanitizer, hand lotion, and other small items. I think having a bag to put some of my small everyday items in is helpful.

What’s helpful for me is having an extra bag for laundry, sometimes I use parts of my suitcase but I don’t normally get to. When I’ve been away for a longer time, having an extra laundry bag to keep all of my stuff that I’m going to wash when I get home is helpful.

Lori Thompson, Delta Airlines

Lori Thompson, a flight attendant with Delta, ensures she's always prepared for a trip with items including a portable humidifier, a handy tech organizer, and a packable blanket, among others.

Lori's travel essentials:

Our hotel rooms can be rather dry, and after traveling a mini humidifier adds much needed moisture into the air.

I make sure I have enough charging cords/blocks for all my electronics (cell phone, tablet, watch, wireless headphones) and a small zippered pouch like this one works great to store all these items.

This is an item I always travel with and has come in handy when there are not enough outlets in the room, especially when traveling internationally.

I use a small zipper pouch to bring some much-needed essentials when traveling, such as waterproof bandages, Ibuprofen/Tylenol, Neosporin, and Vitamin C. You never know when you might need any of these items and they can be quite expensive to purchase when traveling. If you don’t want to create your own kit, you can buy one like this that comes pre-stocked.

These have been a life saver for me. It keeps all of my clothes organized and helps me to pack more efficiently.

I have always had a packable blanket with me for those chilly flights. These are nice to have in case there is not a blanket available on your flight.

Jenessa Andrea, United Airlines

United Airlines flight attendant Jenessa Andrea saves on space by using small storage capsules that replace large containers, and a mug that can be folded down when not in use. 

Jenessa's travel essentials:

These containers organize products while also being the perfect interchangeable system so I can change up what I’m bringing on trips depending on location.

I cut these up and use these as laundry detergent for washing clothes in the sink of hotels when I’m on a time crunch or don’t have access to laundry.

My entire family is in dental so oral care is in my blood, but there were no toothpaste tablets I could find that had fluoride in them, so I was hooked ever since I found this product.

I love how portable these are, I always have one with me either in my purse or suitcase, I’ve used these when I purchase too much or if it’s raining to protect my purse.

I’ve found that water bottles are just too space-consuming in my bag but I also need something to hold my drinks so finding a solid solution like Stojo solved that issue easily.

SZEP Barbara, Eithad Airlines

While working as a flight attendant with Etihad Airlines, SZEP Barbara makes sure to protect her skin while in the air with a travel-size SPF moisturizer and stays prepared for any city she lands in by always traveling with a universal adapter. 

SZEP Barbara's travel essentials:

An item that I always have with me are my facial creams. I prefer to use onboard cream with high moisturizer and SPF.

The last item that I always carry with me is an international travel adapter. As cabin crew, we travel around the world and different countries have different sockets so I like to always be prepared.

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Road Trip Essentials: The Best Tech and Gadgets, According to Experts

The experts at Good Housekeeping have tested and reviewed some of the best travel electronics and tech gadgets on the market. Here are some of the picks that will make your next road trip more memorable.

More Road Trip Gear: Best Driving Sunglasses | Best Travel Luggage | Road Trip Toolbox

Our Top Picks

Best Travel Portable Coffee Maker

Cera+ portable electric coffee maker.

Best Travel Gadget Wi-Fi Hotspot

Verizon jetpack wi-fi hotspot.

Best Travel Dash Cam

Garmin dash cam 57.

Best Travel Gadget Cooler

Koolatron thermoelectric iceless cooler and warmer.

Best Travel Gadget Radar Detector

Escort max 360 mkii radar and laser detector.

Best Travel Action Camera

Gopro hero9.

Best Travel Electronics Organizer

Bubm electronics organizer.

Best Travel Gadget for Portable Power

Anker 325 power bank.

Best Travel Gadget Charging Cord

Rolling square keychain charger cable.

Best Travel Mug

Ember travel mug.

We all have our own ideas about what tech we need and which gadgets and devices we enjoy, so the Gear Team could have simply thrown together a list of some of our favorites. But Good Housekeeping has been testing and evaluating products for parents and homes for over a century, and its testing processes have become an industry standard. So we hit up our colleagues over at the Good Housekeeping Institute for some tips, just to make sure we weren't missing anything.

Relying on the expertise of the Gear Team and the testing acumen of Good Housekeeping, here are some of the Best Travel Gadgets and Tech for your next road-trip adventure.

Note: Road & Track has paraphrased Good Housekeeping 's findings to reflect our purposes here; we have omitted some of the Institute's non-automotive selections and included other products more suited for our car-loving audience.

The Best Road Trip Gadgets & Tech

Don't settle for whatever truck-stop cup of joe you come across while on the road. The CERA+ portable coffee maker will allow you to indulge your inner coffee snob wherever you are. It can perform cold or warm brews, and its rechargeable battery allows you to make several cups, no matter the type of coffee you choose.

Wi-Fi on your road trip can be a game changer. For those who lack the luxury of integrated Wi-Fi found on many newer cars, the Jetpack allows Verizon customers to connect up to 15 devices to their personal Wi-Fi network in more than 200 countries. During Good Housekeeping’s testing, the battery showed impressive all-day life. As a plus, it includes an extra USB port for charging other devices.

Dash cams can be a fantastic tool for recovering damages, beating tickets, or recording incredible situations. The Garmin 57 mini dash cam takes the functionality up a notch with a Swiss Army knife–like list of features. It can record in 1440p and features incident detection, forward-collision and lane-departure warnings, and a cool option that lets you turn hours of driving into a time-lapse video. Best of all, it measures just about 1.0 by 2.0 inches.

Staying hydrated and keeping your appetite at bay while on the road can be tough if gas-station jerky and drive-thru fare aren't your thing. Koolatron 's thermoelectric cooler and warmer plugs into your vehicle's 12-volt outlet and keeps the contents as cool as 40 degrees Fahrenheit and as warm as 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The 18-quart version can hold up to 23 standard soft-drink cans; the much larger 45-quart version is ideal for families.

Even if you don't consider yourself much of a speeder, having an additional layer of protection against hefty fines is a wise move. The Escort MAX 360 will keep you covered, just in case you lose track of your speed over hours of cruising. It's loaded with features, including dual antennas for increased range, 360-degree awareness, an easy-to-use app, and many more we don't have the space to list here.

GoPro has been offering compact action cameras since 2004, and the HERO9 is perfect for road-tripping. It's durable and waterproof up to 33 feet, allowing you to take it with you just about anywhere. It shoots in 5K so you're guaranteed sharp, high-quality memories once your trip is over. GoPro also offers an array of accessories for attaching it to a helmet, your chest, your car—even a toddler.

Keep your wires and other small gear organized with this neat-looking organizer from BUBM . It comes in ten different colors, and the testers at Good Housekeeping loved the compact fold-flat shape and zipper enclosures.

Charging ports can be a point of contention in cars and trucks, particularly when a family is on the road for extended periods. This Anker portable battery will help nip back-seat fisticuffs in the bud. The 20,000 mAh Li-ion battery allows you to charge up to two devices at a time via dual USB-A ports, and it can be recharged through either its micro-USB or USB-C ports.

Rolling Square's keychain charger is the perfect accessory to keep alongside your keys or in your glovebox. It offers multiple outputs and inputs including USB-C, USB-A, micro-USB, and even a lightning port for your iPhone. It complements the Anker portable battery above very nicely.

When you're on the road for hours on end, a warm beverage can be key in getting your body's motor started and keeping it going. This travel mug from Ember won't just keep your beverage warm, it will keep it exactly the temperature you prefer. The temperature can be controlled from an app on your phone, and its two-hour battery life can be extended by placing it on its charging coaster.

Apple AirTag

Many are already familiar with the invaluable functionality that Apple 's tiny tracker provides. It can be used to track anything from your valuables to your luggage and even your car, right from your phone. It does require you to use Apple's digital ecosystem, but its overall functionality could just be enough to convert Android users. Its one-year battery lifespan makes it an easy set-and-forget tool.

JACO ElitePro Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

Before and after long drives, it's important to keep tabs on your tires, as they are the only thing keeping you and your family on the road. Investing in a quality tire pressure gauge is key, especially if you drive an older car that doesn't come equipped with a tire-pressure monitoring system. JACO 's gauge is calibrated accurately to professional ANSI 2A standards and offers a full lifetime warranty.

Leatherman Wave Plus Multitool

If you don't already carry a good multitool, it's about time you do. The Wave Plus from Leatherman is a handy everyday tool for popping bottle tops, tightening screws, opening packaging, and a plethora of other odd jobs. Out on the road, it's great for small inconveniences and quick fixes, such as replacing burnt-out bulbs, tightening hose clamps, or whatever other mishaps may arise.

DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone Bundle

This DJI camera drone will elevate your ability to log your road-trip memories. When you're no longer limited to the ground, the photo and video opportunities you'll realize are pretty vast. The GH Institute testers loved that it can fold away into a compact carrying case and lauded its sharp picture quality. The included Fly More Kit opens up the potential to capture professional-quality aerial shots of your car ripping through the twisties. It includes spare batteries, chargers, parts, and more.

DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Gimbal Stabilizer

The DJI Osmo gimbal is a nice piece of kit to keep handy if you’re even remotely serious about capturing solid images of you and your flock while out on the road. Even if you're solo-tripping, it's an excellent way to capture photos or videos of your car in action. During testing, the gimbal held the phone stable and has a nice feature that allows it to rotate in a single sweeping motion. The magnetic clamp attaches easily to almost any phone.

Reliefband Classic Wristband for Motion Sickness

Lots of us are burdened with the unfortunate affliction known as carsickness. This can get pretty messy on long drives, particularly if you have little ones prone to nausea. The Reliefband is a drug-free remedy to general motion sickness. If it really works—and most users claim it does—it's definitely worth it.

Bose QuietComfort OverEar Headphones

If you plan to spend many hours in a packed car, you will inevitably be met with conflict when everyone disagrees on what to fill your collective ears with. These noise-canceling cans from Bose provide a convenient solution, allowing your passengers to escape to their own audio reality for a bit. Testers found them very comfortable over extended periods and really appreciated being able to switch between Quiet and Aware modes to filter outside noise.

Caveat: No matter how tempting it may be to drown out the world around you, and despite settings that allow you to control ambient noise, we don't recommend over-ear cans like these while driving. Opt for a pair of AirPods or earbuds , if you must—but be advised, state laws vary on their use behind the wheel.

How do I determine which items are essential to my trip?

A good rule, particularly with gadgets, is if you can't name around two-thirds of the buttons on your device, you probably won't use it (or at least to its fullest potential). Carry only what you might need and use.

I'm new to road-tripping. Will all these gadgets be daunting?

Some gadgets like a DJI drone can indeed have somewhat steep learning curves. We recommend trying out your gadgets at home to familiarize yourself with their features and controls. Apps are a requirement for some gadgets, so having those pre-loaded onto your phone can save time and hassle.

Can I buy stuff on the road?

Lots of gear can be a hassle to keep track of, so sometimes it is more efficient to forgo some of the less essential pieces and just pick them up as you need them. Rechargeable electronics are a great solution—they keep working and alleviate the need to carry around or purchase extra batteries.

Why Trust Good Housekeeping ?

The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing products and providing expert reviews and advice on all types of travel gear in their labs, from luggage trackers and noise-canceling headphones to drones and mobile hotspots. The gadgets chosen for this list were evaluated by product testing analyst Selina Tedesco and updated by media and tech reviews analyst Olivia Lipski .

Why Trust Hearst Autos?

Hearst Autos combines the talent, resources, and expertise of three of the largest, most influential automotive publications in the world. We get our hands on each and every product we test. Most are purchased; some are supplied by manufacturers. If we're unable to test a product or category ourselves, we'll sometimes turn to noted experts such as the Good Housekeeping Institute .

Hearst Autos doesn't need to game SEO algorithms for traffic or promote lousy products to earn a buck. We're far more concerned with our legacy, our reputation, and the trust that our readers have in Autoweek , Car and Driver , and Road & Track to deliver honest opinions and expert evaluations. Read more about our product testing and evaluation process here .

The Assistant Commerce Editor for Hearst Autos, Justin Helton is an enthusiast with a passion for heavily depreciated autos and a penchant for philosophical debate. As a lifelong Manhattanite, he has mastered the ins and outs of classic car ownership in one of the least car-friendly cities in the world.

Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years , overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems. 

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